A looming global tariff on steel and aluminum proposed by the Trump administration that has already irked the U.S. beverage industry could now potentially have even more far-reaching ramifications for the food and drinks world: Word is spreading that the E.U. may already be preparing to retaliate by taxing signature American imports like Kentucky bourbon and Wisconsin cheese. Back in July, 30 prominent beverage industry executive sent a plea to the Trump administration admonishing a proposal to place board tariffs on imported steel and aluminum to bolster the American metal trade. The tariffs, the administration claimed, would avoid a "national security threat" posed by the country's weakening ability to produce these metals. Now, as the proposal moves forward, other industries have reason to worry as well: According to the Financial Times, the Trump administration has been given the go-ahead to enact those proposed tariffs - at least 24 percent for steel and 7.7 percent for aluminum - or similarly drastic measures, and America's global trading partners are already planning the inevitable backlash, specifically targeting products they know will hit home with the American public. Officials in Brussels are reportedly eying retaliatory tariffs on items like bourbon and cheese, not just because they are signature American products, but because as the Financial Times puts it, they are "politically sensitive." Beyond being high profile items, Kentucky and Wisconsin represent two states Trump won during the 2016 election. As a relatively purple state, Wisconsin is especially the kind of target that could have actual political ramifications if a trade war was to damage business within the state. For now, we're still in the stage of global political posturing. Trump talked tough about protectionist policies throughout his campaign, but like many of his proposals, actual action has been slow. That said, if you're reading this from abroad, it might not be the worst idea to stock up on bourbon. One, it's not like it's going to go bad, and two, you'll have it ready to drink when you need it.... read more

Retailers rang up their strongest holiday sales since 2011, but now they have to figure out what to do with an estimated $90 billion in returned holiday sales of apparel, electronics and sporting goods.... read more

California lawmakers are pushing to increase regulation of home schools after a dozen siblings were discovered locked in a dirty, dark house in Riverside County. The house in Perris had been registered as a private school called Sandcastle Day School. Last month, after a malnourished 17-year-old escaped and alerted authorities to the abuse she and her 12 siblings, ages 2 to 29, had endured there, her parents were arrested and charged with multiple counts of torture...... read more

The Twitterati have been freaked out for several days now over a video showcasing the creepy door-opening ability of the SpotMini, a dog-like robot from Boston Dynamics. The robot is so creepily life-like, it quickly became the top trending video on Tuesday and prompted a flurry...... read more

A man was arrested and another could face misdemeanor charges after a viral video revealed a road rage incident that resulted in a vehicle overturning on a highway in Oceanside on Thursday afternoon. California Highway Patrol officers initially believed the incident was a non-injury hit-and-run collision that occurred about 4:20 p.m. on eastbound Highway 78 west of College Boulevard in Oceanside. The mobile phone video revealed otherwise (warning:...... read more